The Lee University volleyball squad rallied from a set down to defeat Missouri Baptist in the opening match of Pool D at the NAIA National Tournament.
The Spartans won the back-and-forth opening set, 27-25 to take the early advantage. The Lady Flames fired back winning the next three sets (25-15, 25-17, 25-14) to take the match 3-1.
Sophomore Marija Zelenovic played a big role in Lee's attack. Zelenovic drilled 18 kills to go along with four blocks. Junior Paula Martins added 14 kills, four blocks and three digs.
Setting the table for the Lee offensive was Camil Martinez with 49 assists.
The SSAC Player of the Year Irene Ojukwu came in with nine kills and 12 digs. Libero Libby Peigen was the dig leader for the Lady Flames as she notched 27. Lauren Williams registered seven kills and was solid at the net with seven blocks. Freshman Nicole Sumida rounded out the attack with eight kills of her own.
The Lady Flames improve to 29-9 on the year. Missouri Baptist lost for just the fourth time this year falling to 34-4.
The Spartans were led by Madeline Nesbit with 10 kills. Ally Krus had 31 assists for the Missouri club and Taylor Cook added seven kills and 22 digs.
Lee will continue in pool play tomorrow as they battle Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) at 4:15 p.m. The Blue Raiders fell to No. 4 Biola (Calif.) earlier in the day.
The Lady Flames are no strangers to the Kentucky club, winning in straight sets at the annual Lee Invitational earlier in the year. The top two teams from each of the six pools will advance to a single-elimination bracket starting Nov. 30th.